Abstract

This paper presents the results of studies using waste hair from tannery processing on the preparation of protein varieties and their use as fillers for a hydrophobic elastomer such as XNBR (Carboxylated Butadiene – Acrylonitrile Rubber). The protein investigated – waste keratin comes from the tannery industry. In the first step of research the cattle hair was shredded and subjected to acidic, basic and enzymatic hydrolysis. In the next step the keratin hydrolysates were stirred with the plasticizer stearin in an addition reaction. Finally, we recovered a multifunctional preparation in powdered form to suit application as a filler of elastomers. The incorporation of keratin hydrolysate adducts, based on previously modified waste keratin, into this rubber made it possible to obtain elastomeric materials with good rheological and mechanical properties and hardness, resistant to thermo-oxidative ageing. The presence of modified protein of a hydrophilic character not only facilitates cross-linking processes but also increases the susceptibility of the material to bio-decomposition in the natural environment.